Dedra Lee-Collins

Dr. Dedra Lee-Collins is the Senior Director of Content Development and Programming. Though overseeing program development and leadership encompass her primary responsibilities, Dedra enjoys getting out in the field and working alongside the Regional Transformation Support Specialist to support university and school district partners with their transformation and partnership efforts. Dedra has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Woman’s University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and principal certification from Texas Wesleyan University, and a doctorate in Early Childhood Education from Texas Woman’s University.

Dedra’s experience in education spans 24 years and consists of being a classroom teacher in Dallas ISD and district Elementary Teacher of the Year in Lancaster ISD. While in Lancaster ISD, she served an instructional leader at multiple campuses. Dedra was a former Senior Program Specialist for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching where she managed educational federal grants in Minnesota and South Carolina and supported public and charter school districts with improving educator quality. As a proponent of high-quality teacher preparation, Dedra also works as an adjunct faculty member at Texas Woman’s University and Tarleton State University in the education departments.

As a true believer that your words and actions should positively reflect who you are as a person, Dr. Collins is committed to being a listener, thought-partner and advocate for supporting educators to meet the needs of our historically marginalized students.

Dedra is a life-long Texan and resides in Frisco with her husband Marius. During free time, she enjoys taking road trips, watching documentaries, and spending time with family.